Author: Hannah McGough
Magazine Editor-in-Chief: Yasmin Alameddine
Slope Media is always listening to what’s trending, and some things need tuning out while others an increase in volume. In Overrated/Underrated, we’ll take you through the ins and outs of what should be “in” and “out.”
American Idol – Overrated
What are you, on your 17th season and you’ve churned out maybe two people that the world recognizes and appreciates? I can’t think of anyone who still watches this show, yet it’s still running, or more accurately, hobbling along with a walker powered by Seacrest’s beaming, overwhitened smile. And for that matter, to hell with all of the reality shows of this format—The Voice, So You Think You’ve Got Talent (did I combine two?), that one with those three X’s…and the rest that I can’t think of, but that are the same exact show. Hollywood is throwing all of the shit against the wall to see if something sticks, and none of it is. American Idol: a bandwagon with no wheels.
Broad City – Underrated
Combine the humor of Amy Poehler (Executive Producer) with the escapades of two desperate not-quite-yuppies, and set it against the backdrop of Greenwich Village. The result? Broad City, Comedy Central’s—and arguably cable television’s—most underrated sitcom. These two chicks get themselves into situations that can only be captured with the expression you can’t make this shit up, and if you can stomach the roll-your-eyes hipster undertone, I guarantee you’ll be roaring (take a look). Every episode is available illegally on ProjectFreeTV, but I didn’t tell you that.
Forbidden Black Rice – Overrated
This “forbidden” sushi upgrade embodies the notion that playing hard-to-get only makes something more attractive – if you don’t believe me, just ask every eatery in Hell’s Kitchen, where substituting white for black is more popular than juice cleansing. For an extra $2, you can justify your meal as slightly less nutrient-devoid, and add a little drama to your #foodstagram. Wow, someone get my waiter, I have to have this purple grain that tastes exactly like white rice.
Prix Fixe Dining – Underrated
I don’t have to tell you that food trucks are overrated; with so many rising to the occasion (and the sidewalks) in the heat of their popularity, quality is increasingly hard to come by. Another way to do something different for dinner? The prix fixe menu! More restaurants are kicking a la carte options to the curb, and for good reason – if you’re the type to get overwhelmed by entree choices, just let the kitchen decide your courses for you at a set price. After all, Chef knows best.
Frozen- Overrated
I love a good Disney princess flick as much as the next girl, but it’s summer and I’m sick of hearing “Do You Want to Build a Snowman.” I have no idea how this franchise got to be so long-lived (actually I do: the well-timed consumer products launches), but the buzz needs to cool down already. Let it go.
Boyhood – Underrated
When the trailer for Fifty Shades of Grey premiered this summer, I heard about it within the hour of its release—and the chatter continues. Yet, when it comes to the movie that followed its cast through thirteen years of life, I’m not seeing nearly enough attention being paid. Boyhood opens with a nugget little boy in the start of the millenium, and ends with a college freshman in the present day. With seamless transitions from year to year, the viewer is given the intimate privilege of watching a family literally grow up in 3 hours. I laughed, I cried, I cringed (those all-too-familiar middle school years), and I connected (and you will too if you also had a Game Boy, or went to the “Harry Potter” book release nights at Barnes & Noble). See this movie as a salute to the time commitment it took to make, or see it to marvel at the sheer ingenuity of its format—but whatever you do, see it.
Boxed Water – Overrated
What’s the best thing since sliced bread? Apparently, boxed water: the next grocery craze that’s both genius and totally unnecessary. I shouldn’t be surprised that, in a world that willingly pays for water, there are people who think that cardboard containers make packaged H2O any better for the environment, or, dare I say, easier to drink. The logic escapes me, but I challenge such people to have some sense and buy a Brita. Give a man a box and you quench his thirst for a day. Teach a man to filter and you quench his thirst for a lifetime.
Vinylux – Underrated
Sorry gents, this one is for the ladies. Girls, are you sick of soaking your nails in acid for ten minutes to get rid of your bulletproof gels? Meet the product your nail salon won’t tell you about, that will spare you that removal fee: Vinylux. This godsend is just as resilient as shellac or gel polish, except it can be removed at home with acetone like any regular paint. Whether you’re a color commitment phobe, or just sick of losing healthy nail to last month’s peeling manicure, opt for Vinylux. If you’re in Collegetown, you can find it at NailCandy Salon on Dryden.
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